Animal trap

ABSTRACT

An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, both having a V-shape, and a biased restraint member having a V-shape and adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. Two interchangeable trigger assemblies are each adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The first trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a first trigger member. The second trigger assembly releases the restraint member via only the first directional force applied to a second trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/881,241 filed Sep. 14, 2010.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a trap and more specificallyit relates to an animal trap for efficiently restraining animals, suchas raccoons, in a secure manner using a diamond-shaped restraint andhaving an interchangeable and easy-setting trigger which allows for apush-pull type or a pull-only type trigger and having an easy clean-outsystem for the trap.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Various types of traps currently exist and are utilized to catchanimals, such as raccoons. Current traps are generally either have apush or a pull-type trigger thus either not efficiently providing ameans to engage the trap, wherein the animal may possibly retrieve thebait without causing the trap to engage, or not complying with localordinances or laws. In addition, the traps are often enclosed in such amanner that it may be difficult to reset and/or clean the trap.Additionally, many of the traps have problems holding the animal after acatch and must rely on stronger springs, thus increasing the weight, theexpense, the difficulty of setting the trap, as well as the danger ofthe trap to the trapper.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a needfor a new and improved animal trap for efficiently restraining animals,such as raccoons, in a secure manner using a diamond-shaped restraintwith spaced grip bars for increasing holding power and having aninterchangeable and easy-setting trigger which allows for a push-pulltype or a pull-only type trigger and having an easy clean-out system forthe trap.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for efficiently restraining animals, such as raccoons, in asecure manner using a diamond-shaped restraint with spaced grip bars forincreasing holding and having an interchangeable and easy-settingtrigger which allows for a push-pull type or a pull-only type trap andhaving an easy clean-out system for the trap. The invention generallyrelates to a trap which includes a hollow body having an entranceopening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along alongitudinal axis of the body, both having a V-shape, and a biasedrestraint member having a V-shape and adapted to move towards the gripmembers when released to engage an extremity of an animal insertedthrough the entrance opening. Two interchangeable trigger assemblies areeach adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagementwith a respective trigger member. The first trigger assembly releasesthe restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite seconddirectional force applied to a first trigger member. The second triggerassembly releases the restraint member via only the first directionalforce applied to a second trigger member. A ground stake having jaggedteeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction or to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear upper perspective view of the present invention withthe first trigger assembly in the safety position.

FIG. 2 is a rear upper perspective view of the present invention withthe first trigger assembly in the armed position.

FIG. 3 is a front upper perspective view of the present invention with aportion of the body cutaway to show the trigger end of the first triggermember.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention with the first triggerassembly.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the present invention showing apulling force being applied to the first trigger member to engage therestraint member.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the present invention showing apushing force being applied to the first trigger member to engage therestraint member.

FIG. 7 is a rear upper perspective view of the present invention withthe second trigger assembly.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the present invention with the second triggerassembly.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the present invention with the secondtrigger assembly with the spring disengaged.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the present invention with thesecond trigger assembly with the spring engaged and the trap rotated sothat the latch dog of the second trigger assembly falls into place toretain the spring in the engaged position.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the present invention with thesecond trigger assembly in the engaged position.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the present invention showing apulling force being applied to the second trigger member to release therestraint member.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the present invention with theextremity of the animal restrained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 13 illustrate an animal trap 10, which comprises a hollow body20 having an entrance opening 21, an external grip member 30 (seeFIG. 1) and an internal grip member 39 (see FIG. 3) spaced apart along alongitudinal axis of the body 20, both grip members having a V-shape,and a biased restraint member 50 also having a V-shape and adapted tomove towards the grip members 30, 39 when released to engage anextremity 12 (see FIG. 13) of an animal inserted through the entranceopening 21. Two interchangeable trigger assemblies 60 (see FIG. 1), 80(see FIG. 7) are each adapted to restrain the restraint member 50 untilproper engagement with a respective trigger member 61 (see FIG. 1), 81(see FIG. 7). The first trigger assembly 60 releases the restraintmember 50 via a first directional force or an opposite seconddirectional force applied to a first trigger member 61. The secondtrigger assembly 80 releases the restraint member 50 via only the firstdirectional force applied to a second trigger member 81. A ground stake100 having jagged teeth 101 and a swivel chain 103 may be used foranchoring the animal trap 10.

The animal trap 10 is generally a foot-trapping structure and may beoriented vertically, horizontally, or at various other angles suitableto the adjacent terrain and the particular animal being trapped. Theanimal trap 10 is generally comprised of a metal material for strengthand durability and may have various properties thereon to reduce,prevent, or eliminate rust, scent, and other elements damaging to theanimal trap 10 and undesirable for trapping animals. The animal trap 10may be manufactured in various sizes to trap various types of animals.

B. Hollow Body.

The animal trap 10 includes a hollow body 20 generally comprised of asquare-tubular shape for positioning bait within, wherein the animalextends an extremity 12, such as a foot, within the entrance opening 21(see FIG. 3) of the hollow body 20 to retrieve the bait, wherein therestraint member 50 retains their extremity 12 within the hollow body20. The diameter of the body 20 is preferably small enough to prevent adog or other household pet from being able to reach within the body 20through the entrance opening 21, but is large enough to allow a raccoonor other desired trappable animal to reach within the body 20 throughthe entrance opening 21.

The body 20 is elongated in structure so the bait may be distally spacedfrom the entrance opening 21 to allow room for the trigger member 61 or81 between the entrance opening 21 and the bait. The first longitudinalend of the body 20 includes the entrance opening 21 and the secondlongitudinal end of the body 20 is closed by a base plate 22.

The body 20 includes at least one lower opening 24 extending through alongitudinal corner of the body 20 for the trigger member to extendwithin the body 20. The base plate 22 may also have a drain 23 (see FIG.3), such as at the point that the chain 103 connects.

The lower opening 24 and thus trigger member 61 are located between theplate 22 and the opening 21, and the lower opening 24 is elongated toallow for the trigger member 61 or 81 to pivot within the body 20. Thelower opening 24 is also large enough to allow for easy cleaning andresetting of the animal trap 10.

C. External Grip Member.

Extending from the first longitudinal end of the body 20, along alongitudinal axis of the body 20 and preferably integral with a portionof the peripheral edge of the body 20, is the external grip member 30.The external grip member 30 is generally V-shaped and thus extends fromtwo of the four sides of the body 20. The external grip member 30extends forwardly from the first longitudinal end thus spacing theforward end of the external grip member 30 from the entrance opening 21of the body 20.

The external grip member 30 may also have a brim surrounding aperipheral edge, thus forming a recess 31 (see FIG. 3) to allow therestraint member 50 to move further across the entrance opening 21 andbetter prevent animals from being able to remove their extremity 12 fromthe animal trap 10 once the restraint member 50 has been released. Theexternal grip member 30 also includes a pair of elongated slots 33 (seeFIG. 3) extending therethrough along each side of the V-shaped gripmember 30 for receiving the restraint member 50. The slots 33 arepreferably separated to prevent the restraint member 50 from beingremoved from the external grip member 30.

Extending outwardly from the apex of the V-shaped external grip member30 is a support 35. The support 35 is for retaining the latch dogs andgenerally includes a first notch 36 and a second notch 37. The firstnotch 36 and the second notch 37 form a T-shape with the first notch 36extending across the support 35 and the second notch 37 extendingparallel to a length of the support 35. It is appreciated that thesupport 35, external grip member 30, and hollow body 20 may be comprisedof an integral one-piece structure or multiple components attachedtogether.

D. Internal Grip Member.

The internal grip member 39 is generally located adjacent the entranceopening 21 and extends slightly inwardly from a peripheral edge of thebody 20 along the first longitudinal end. The internal grip member 39 isV-shaped and parallels the external grip member 30. The internal gripmember 39 preferably extends inwardly past the recess 31 to a pointaligned with the forward edge of the external grip member 30. The slots33 of the external grip member 30 are positioned between the forwardedge of the external grip member 30 and the internal grip member 39 asshown in FIG. 13.

E. Spring Assembly.

Along with closing the end of the body 20, the base plate 22 extendsoutwardly from the body 20. Preferably two supports 27 extend from theoutward portion of the base plate 22. Laterally extending across a lowerend of the supports 27 is a lower pivot 44 and extending across an upperend of the supports 27 is an upper pivot 45. A double-legged torsionspring 40 is wound around the lower pivot 44 and includes a pair ofspaced apart extension legs 41, each extension leg 41 extending from anend of the torsion spring 40.

The extension legs 41 extend along the longitudinal length of the body20 to a point past the slots 33 of the external grip member 30. A crossmember 42 connects the extension legs 41 at a distal end. The crossmember 42, extension legs 41, and spring 40 are preferably integrallyformed so that a bias force from the spring 40 may be transferred to theextension legs 41 and cross member 42 for being applied to the restraintmember 50.

F. Restraint Member.

The restraint member 50 is connected to the distal end of the extensionlegs 41 or cross member 42 and extends laterally therefrom through theslots 33 of the external grip member 30. The spring 40 imparts a biasforce upon the restraint member 50 to pull the restraint member 50outwardly towards the external grip member 30 to restrain the extremity12 of the animal between the restraint member 50 and the grip members30, 39. A majority of the restraint member 50 is exposed thus allowingfor easy cleaning and resetting of the animal trap 10.

The restraint member 50 is generally comprised of a wire structure andincludes a restraining portion 51, extension legs 52 extending fromopposing ends of the restraining portion 51, and hook portions 53located at the end of the extension legs 52. The restraining portion 51is generally comprised of a V-shaped structure and is oriented oppositethe grip members 30, 39 so that the restraining portion 51 forms asquare cross-sectional shape with the grip members 30, 39 to engage theextremity 12 of the animal on all four sides of the extremity 12. Theextension legs 52 movably extend through the slots 33 of the externalgrip member 30 towards the respective extension leg 41 of the spring 40.At the end of the extension legs 52 of the restraint member 50 is thehook portion 53 to secure the restraint member 50 to the extension legs41 or cross member 42 of the spring 40.

G. First Trigger Assembly.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the first trigger assembly 60 releases the30 restraint member 50 via a first directional force (i.e. pullingtowards entrance opening 21) or an opposite second directional force(i.e. pushing towards base plate 22) applied to a first trigger member61. The first trigger assembly 60 generally includes the first triggermember 61 and a first latch dog 70, wherein the first trigger member 61is releasable from the first latch dog 70 and the first latch dog 70 ispivotal connected to the first notch 36 of the support 35 of theexternal grip member 30 via hook portion 71 extending from a retainingshaft 72 of the first latch dog 70.

The first trigger member 61 includes a trigger end 62 internal to thehollow body 20 and a connector end 63 external to the hollow body 20,wherein the first trigger member 61 is pivotally and generally slidablyconnected to the upper pivot 45 between the trigger end 62 and theconnector end 63 along the shaft 64 at a point external to the hollowbody 20. The shaft 64 is linear and connects the trigger end 62 to theconnector end 63 by extending through the lower opening 24 of the body20.

The trigger end 62 of the first trigger member 61 is generally comprisedof a ring-shape thus encompassing a substantial portion of across-sectional area within the hollow body 20 to prevent the animalfrom reaching around the trigger end 62 of the first trigger member 61when attempting to access the bait.

The connector end 63 preferably includes a notch 65 formed therein andspaced slightly inwardly. The notch 65 is used to interlock with a notch74 of the first latch dog 70 to retain the first trigger member 61 in asafety position and thus prevent the first latch dog 70 from releasingthe restraint member 50. A tab 66 is formed at the distal end of thefirst trigger member 61. Along with engaging the first latch dog 70 inthe safety position to retain the notches 65, 74 interlocked, the tab 66is used to rest upon a distal tab 75 of the first latch dog 70 when inthe armed position.

The first trigger member 61 is slid along the upper pivot 45 from thesafety position to the armed position. In the safety position, the firsttrigger member 61 is slid towards the first latch dog 70 so the notches65, 74 may interlock. In the armed position, the first trigger member 61is slid away from the first latch dog 70 so the tab 66 of the firsttrigger member 61 rests upon the tab 75 of the first latch dog 70 andthe tab 66 of the first trigger member 61 is able to pass through thenotch 74 of the first latch dog 70 when the trigger end 62 of the firsttrigger member 61 is pushed towards the base plate 22. The trigger end62 of the first trigger member 61 may also be pulled towards theentrance opening 21 to release the restraint member 50, wherein the tab66 moves outward past an outer end of the first latch dog 70.

H. Second Trigger Assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second trigger assembly 80 allows foreasy setting of the trap 10 using a heavy latch dog 90 and gravitationalforce, thus the second latch dog 90 being heavier than the secondtrigger member 81 to pull or pivot the trigger member 81 as the secondlatch dog 90 falls downward over the cross member 42. When the secondtrigger assembly 80 is desired to be armed, the spring 40 is armed bypushing the cross member 42 towards the body 20 and tilting the openingdown toward the ground allowing the heavier latch dog 90 to fall forwardover the cross member 42 so the cross member 42 is positioned within thenotch 93 of the of the second latch dog 90 and the cross member 42 isretained in position by the second extension 92 while the firstextension 91 is extended within the second notch 37 of the support 35 toretain the second latch dog 90 in position when pressure is releasedfrom the spring 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thus, the latchdog 90 allows for easy setting of the trap 10 by simply pushing thespring 40 toward the body 20 and pivoting the body 20 so the latch dog90 pivots into a set position to retain the spring 40 in the armedposition.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, the second trigger assembly 80 releasesthe restraint member 50 via only a first directional force (i.e. pullingtowards entrance opening 21) applied to a second trigger member 81. Thesecond trigger assembly 80 generally includes a second trigger member 81and a second latch dog 90, wherein the second trigger member 81 isreleasable from the second notch 37 of the support 35 of the externalgrip member 30 and is pivotally connected to the connector end 83 of thesecond trigger member 81. The extensions 91, 92 extend from a shaft 95of the second latch dog 90 that extends toward an opposing pivotallyconnected end of the second latch dog 90.

The second trigger member 81 includes a trigger end 82 internal to thehollow body 20 and a connector end 83 external to the hollow body 20,wherein the second trigger member 81 is pivotally and generally slidablyconnected to the upper pivot 45 between the trigger end 82 and theconnector end 83 along the shaft 84 at a point external to the hollowbody 20. The shaft 84 is linear and connects the trigger end 82 to theconnector end 83 by extending through the lower opening 24 of the body20.

The trigger end 82 of the second trigger member 81 is generallycomprised of a ring-shape thus encompassing a substantial portion of across-sectional area within the hollow body 20 to prevent the animalfrom reaching around the trigger end 82 of the second trigger member 81when attempting to access the bait.

The connector end 83 preferably includes a pivot outwardly from theupper pivot 45 for pivotally connecting to an end of the second latchdog 90. The opposing end of the second latch dog 90 includes a firstextension 91 for being received in the second notch 37 of the support35, a second extension 92 for holding the outer side of the cross member42 to retain the spring 40 and restraint member 50 in the armed positionand a notch 93 positioned between the first extension 91 and the secondextension 92 for receiving the cross member 42. Thus, the second triggermember 81 is fixed to the second latch dog 90 and the second latch dog90 releases from the support 35 of the external grip member 30 to engagethe restraint member 50 and restrain the extremity 12 of the animal.

I. Anchoring Structure.

Various anchoring structures may be used to retain the animal trap 10 inposition to prevent the trapped animal from leaving with the trap oncerestrained within the body 20 by the restraint member 50. Preferably aground support 100 extends from the base plate 22 parallel and linearwith the body 20. The ground support 100 (e.g. ground stake) iselongated and may include numerous jagged teeth 101 in series forgrabbing the ground or adjacent structure. Additionally, a chain 103preferably extends from the animal trap 10 and may be retained via aswivel 104 attached to the base plate 22, body 20, ground support 100,or other components of the animal trap 10. The distal end of the chain103 is then secured to a fixed structure. Further, a tubular member 102may be located along the ground support 100 and parallel a longitudinalaxis of the ground support 100. The tubular member 102 may be used forreceiving a support rod that is driven into the ground for support, suchas when the ground is frozen and it may be difficult to position theground support 100 within the ground or additional support is needed.

J. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, it is first determined whether the first trigger assembly 60 orthe second trigger assembly 80 is desired. Generally, the first triggerassembly 60 provides the optimal method of catching the animal since thefirst trigger assembly 60 can be engaged via a pushing or pulling force.However, some ordinances or laws allow only a pushing or a pullingforce, but not both, upon traps, and thus in these instances the secondtrigger assembly 80 may be used.

When using the first trigger assembly 60, the first trigger member 61may be retained in the safety position while preparing the adjacent areaand mounting the animal trap 10. To put the first trigger member 61 inthe safety position, the first trigger member 61 is slid towards thefirst latch dog 70 and the notch 65 of the first trigger member 61 isinterlocked with the notch 74 of the first latch dog 70 as illustratedin FIG. 1.

When the first trigger assembly 60 is desired to be armed, the firsttrigger member 61 is slid away from the first latch dog 70 until the tab66 of the first trigger member 61 aligns with the tab 75 of the firstlatch dog 70 and may be rested thereupon as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thehook portion 71 retains the first latch dog 70 on one end and the tab 66retains the first latch dog 70 on the opposite end, thus holding thecross member 42 inwards and the restraint member 50 in the armedposition. When the trigger end 62 of the first trigger member 61 iseither pushed or pulled, the tab 66 of the first trigger member 61slides from the tab 75 of the first latch dog 70, either through thenotch 74 of the first latch dog 70 or past the first latch dog 70, thusreleasing the first latch dog 70 to pivot within the first notch 36 ofthe support 35 and release the cross member 42 as illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6. The bias force of the spring 40 causes the cross member 42 torapidly move outwardly, thus pulling the restraint member 50 rapidlyoutwardly towards the external grip member 30 and pinching the extremity12 of the animal between the restraining portion 51 of the restraintmember 50 and the grip members 30, 39.

When the second trigger assembly 80 is desired to be armed, the spring40 is armed by pushing the cross member 42 towards the body 20 andtilting the opening down toward the ground allowing the heavier latchdog 90 to fall forward over the cross member 42 so the cross member 42is positioned within the notch 93 of the of the second latch dog 90 andthe cross member 42 is retained in position by the second extension 92while the first extension 91 is extended within the second notch 37 ofthe support 35 to retain the second latch dog 90 in position whenpressure is released from the spring 40. Thus, the latch dog 90 allowsfor easy setting of the trap 10 by simply pushing the spring 40 towardthe body 20 and pivoting the body 20 so the latch dog 90 pivots into aset position to retain the spring 40 in the armed position.

When the trigger end 82 of the second trigger member 81 is pulled, theconnector end 82 of the second trigger member 81 is forced downward thuspulling the second latch dog 90 downward so that the first extension 91is removed from the second notch 37. Simultaneously, the secondextension 92 moves downward past the cross member 42 allowing the crossmember 42 to be released from the notch 93 and rapidly move outwards viathe biased force of the spring 40 as illustrated in FIG. 12. The crossmember 42 pulls the restraint member 50 rapidly outwardly towards theexternal grip member 30 and pinching the extremity 12 of the animalbetween the restraining portion 51 of the restraint member 50 and thegrip members 30, 39 as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialattributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the presentembodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are forconvenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An animal trap comprising: a hollow bodyhaving a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, saidfirst longitudinal end having an upper portion and a lower portion witha step being formed at the junction between said upper and lowerportions, said upper portion extending beyond said lower portion, andsaid first longitudinal end having an entrance opening formed therein;said upper portion having at least one elongated slot extendingtherethrough; an external grip member extending forwardly from saidupper portion and having at least one notch extending therethrough; saidexternal grip member forming a brim around said upper portion of saidhollow body at a first longitudinal end thereof; a biased restraintmember extending through said at least one elongated slot in said upperportion and across said opening; a pivotal trigger member extendingwithin said body between said first longitudinal end and said secondlongitudinal end, and, a latch means interconnected with said restraintmember for releasing said restraint member when said trigger member isengaged.
 2. The animal trap of claim 1 in which said body has agenerally square cross-sectional shape.
 3. The animal trap of claim 1wherein said trigger member has a generally circular shaped end locatedwithin said body.
 4. The animal trap of claim 1 further including aninternal grip member extending from said first longitudinal end, saidinternal grip member having a V-shape.
 5. The animal trap of claim 4wherein said internal grip member and said external grip member extendgenerally parallel to each other.
 6. The animal trap of claim 4 whereinsaid restraint member is movable between said external grip member andsaid internal grip member.
 7. The animal trap of claim 1 furtherincluding a ground support extending from said body.
 8. The animal trapof claim 1 further including an anchor chain connected to said body. 9.The animal trap of claim 1 wherein said pivotal trigger member has ashaped end that encompasses a substantial cross-sectional portion ofsaid hollow body.
 10. The animal trap of claim 1 wherein said pivotaltrigger member acts to release said restraint member when subjected toeither a first directional force or a second directional force.
 11. Ananimal trap, comprising: a hollow body having a first longitudinal endand a second longitudinal end; said first longitudinal end having anexternal grip member comprised of a V-shape and having at least onenotch extending therethrough; said first longitudinal end further havingan internal grip member distally spaced inwardly from said external gripmember, said internal grip member also being of a V-shape; said firstlongitudinal end further having at least one elongated slot extendingtherethrough; a biased restraint member having a restraining portioncomprised of a V-shape, said restraint member adapted to move towardssaid external and internal grip members when released, thereby to form agenerally square cross-sectional shape comprised by said V-shapeexternal grip member and said V-shaped restraint member so as to tightlygrip four sides of the extremity of an animal when the extremity isinserted into said first longitudinal end; a pivotal trigger memberextending within said body between said first longitudinal end and saidsecond longitudinal end, and, a latch means interconnecting saidrestraint member for releasing said restraint member when said triggeris engaged.
 12. An animal trap for humanely trapping animals and forpreventing theft by an animal of bait placed in the trap to lure theanimal to the trap, comprising: a hollow body having an entranceopening; a spring supported adjacent said body and a restraint memberconnected to said spring, said restraint member adapted to engage anextremity of the animal when the extremity is inserted into said bodythrough said entrance opening to restrain the animal in the trap; atrigger assembly restraining said restraint member in an armed position,said trigger assembly including a trigger member located intermediatesaid entrance opening and a location within the trap where bait isplaced for the animal's extremity to contact said trigger member whenattempting to reach the bait thereby releasing said restraint memberfrom said armed position when either a first directional force or asecond and substantially opposite directional force is applied to thetrigger member of said trigger assembly; and, wherein said triggermember has a shaped end encompassing a substantial cross-section portionof said hollow body whereby insertion of the animal's extremity into thehollow body to reach the bait causes contact of the extremity with theshaped end of the trigger member and results in capture of the animalwhile also preventing theft of the bait.
 13. The animal trap of claim 12wherein said trigger member end has a generally circular shape.
 14. Theanimal trap of claim 12 wherein said trigger member end has a generallycross shape.
 15. The animal trap of claim 12 wherein said trigger memberhas a generally square shape.